The morning sunlight filtered softly through the tall windows of the estate's grand dining hall. The warm scent of fresh croissants, brewed coffee, and omelets filled the air, mingling with the sound of quiet clinking silverware and birdsong outside.
Kai walked into the room first, dressed in a fresh white linen shirt, sleeves rolled halfway up, looking completely at ease yet effortlessly commanding. Behind him trailed Aurora, her steps slower, a soft flush still painting her cheeks from the night before. She wore one of the elegant dresses Kai had laid out for her light blue, modest, and flowing, though the collar was intentionally high enough to hide the marks on her neck.
Unfortunately, it didn't hide enough.
Seated at the long table was Kai's younger sister, Wendie, who had been waiting with a cup of tea and a mischievous sparkle in her eye. The moment her gaze landed on Aurora, that sparkle turned into a wicked grin.
"Well, well," Wendie sang out, setting her cup down and dramatically tilting her head. "Is that a love bite I see… or were the mosquitoes just very, very affectionate last night?"
Aurora's eyes widened, and she instinctively reached for the collar of her dress, tugging it higher. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson, and for a moment, she was too stunned to respond.
Kai stifled a chuckle, hiding his smirk behind his hand as he pulled out Aurora's chair for her like a gentleman. "Don't mind her," he said smoothly. "She has the emotional maturity of a thirteen-year-old."
"I heard that," Wendie shot back, then turned her teasing eyes to Aurora again. "So? What's the story? Should we be spraying insect repellent or handing out marriage advice?"
Aurora finally found her voice, flustered but determined to keep her dignity. "It was mosquitoes," she said quickly, sitting down and reaching for a slice of toast. "They were… unusually aggressive."
There was a beat of silence before the entire table burst into laughter including Malia, who clapped her hands in delight.
"Oh my God," Wendie giggled, "She's adorable."
At that moment, the deep voice of Kai's grandfather rumbled across the table. He set down his newspaper, peering at Malia over his glasses with a raised brow.
"That's enough, Wendie," he said in his usual calm but firm tone. "Don't tease your sister-in-law. She's new to the family. Show some respect."
Wendie held up her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll behave. No more commentary on" she wiggled her fingers in the air "mosquitoes."
Aurora gave the older man a grateful smile, touched by his kind defense. "Thank you, Grandpa."
He nodded. "You're part of this family now. That means we protect you… even from foolish girls who talk too much over breakfast."
Kai raised a brow. "I second that."
Wendie pouted dramatically. "You're all ganging up on me."
They all chuckled again, the room buzzing with a comfortable warmth.
As breakfast continued, the earlier embarrassment melted away, replaced with affectionate conversation and small moments of shared glances between Kai and Aurora. He brushed her hand beneath the table, offering silent comfort and admiration, while she leaned slightly closer, no longer needing to hide behind shyness.
The family atmosphere was new to Aurora playful, teasing, but wrapped in love and for the first time in a long time, she felt like she truly belonged.